There has been a flurry of fund-raising activity since the launch of the "Bridge The Gap" Appeal at half-time versus Oxford United on Saturday 15th November. Here is a summary of the explanation given by Chairman Gary Harwood on the pitch at that time.

From the centre circle of the Abbey Stadium pitch, Gary Harwood updated supporters with the current efforts to meet the repayment of the £585,000 loan on 22nd December. In addition he outlined the requirement for £500,000 of working capital to keep the club going until the proposed completion of the North Stand redevelopment at the end of the 2004/2005 season.

He explained that there are currently two remaining options for the funding of the loan and the board of directors has received verbal assurances from one of the parties that funding of the £585,000 can be in place in time.

He then explained the contingency plan in case those plans do not come to fruition, which consists of:
a. Increased investment by way of additional share capital from the Directors, of a minimum £100,000
b. South Stand scheme target of £100,000
c. Other commercial initiatives target of £50,000
d. Football League commitment of £35,000
e. Pledge of £200,000-worth of matching funds from a "friend of CUFC" if the directors and the fans raise £100,000 each.
f. CFU initiatives target of £100,000 minimum to subscribe for additional share capital.

Harwood added that these funds will meet the working capital requirement of £500,000 if either of the two current options for finance reaches fruition. He also confirmed the board's agreement to a new 'Fans' Director' position on the Board should CFU reach the £100,000 target.

Harwood then handed over to Nick Pomery (above, right), the chairman of Cambridge Fans United, who confirmed that they will accept the challenge to raise £100,000 between now and 21st December through the "Bridge The Gap" appeal.

In summary, there are many ways to help Cambridge United and CFU raise the required funds.

Contact the club direct about buying half-season tickets, the South Stand competition, booking your VIP Boxing Day packages, becoming a shareholder or increasing an existing shareholding. Visit the club shop in person or online to buy your replica kit and get your Christmas gifts, become a U's World subscriber (7 day free trial), or look into our broadband offers. Contact Cambridge United on 01223 566500.

You can support CFU's Bridge the Gap appeal, which had raised £32,000 by 1st December, by sponsoring an Abbey Stadium seat, buying a CFU calendar, attending the Away Travel Bingo Night on Tuesday 9th December, by organising a sponsored event or supporting one of the existing ones, or simply by making a donation. More details on these can be found at the CFU website www.cambridgefansunited.org , the Appeal website www.helpcfu.co.uk , by phone at 07957 344005, at the CFU caravan on matchdays, or by writing to CFU at
PO Box 447, Cambridge CB3 8ZX. Make any cheque payments payable to 'CFU'.

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